Rome & the Pearls of Mediterranean by Cruise

Uncover the majesty of Ancient Rome before discovering the beauty of Italy, Tunisia, France and Spain as you cruise the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Embarking in Civitavecchia, the port of glorious Rome, you'll then sail to Palermo, a 2,700 year old city of coastal Sicily. You continue to La Goulette, the port of Tunis, situated near the ruins of the glorious ancient city of Carthage, before voyaging to vibrant Barcelona, Spain's cultural heartbeat. Sail to France’s largest city on the Mediterranean, Marseille, before sailing to Genoa in Northern Italy, known as la Superba ("the Superb one"), and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Conclude your voyage back where it began, in Civitavecchia. These coastal destinations offer magnificent art, scenery and wine, while draped in history from the height of the Roman Empire, and earlier. See the world quickly, while relaxing all the while.

Itinerary

Piazza Navona

Hotel Rose Garden Palace

Day 1: Rome

For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking assistant waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Rose Garden Palace (4*)

Trevi Fountain

Day 2: Rome

Enjoy a three hour shared tour by coach and by foot to visit the classical monuments of Rome crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the fountain of the Naiads. Your local guide will take you on a pleasant stroll through the historical centre, where you can admire Trevi Fountain, La Colonna di Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo di Montecitorio, designed by Bernini, the Pantheon (visit inside), Palazzo Madama – seat of senate, and piazza Navona. Passing alongside Castel Sant’Angelo, the bus will leave you close to Vatican City. Admire Saint Peter’s Square where you can hear all the guide has to say about the Basilica; you will then have the chance (except when there are religious celebrations) to explore this wonderful Basilica on your own and to admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s La Pietà and Bernini bronze canopy before re-joining the bus. Please note that shared tours can have up to approximately 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day), and are carried out in a number of languages. The group may be divided out into smaller groups so the tour is led in one language or kept as one larger group (in which case the tour will be led in various languages).

Accommodation: Rose Garden Palace (4*)

Vatican Museum

Day 3: Rome

The tour begins by coach passing through Piazza della Repubblica and following the ancient Aurelian walls, which once surrounded the ancient city. On arrival at the Vatican Walls, your guide will then lead you into the Vatican Museums taking the beautiful Spiral staircase and continuing through the Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of the Geographical Maps before arriving in the famous Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the Last Judgement by Michelangelo.

For your convenience, the tour includes hotel pick-up and entrances to the churches mentioned. Since there will be various pick-ups within the city centre, you will be given a pick-up time range. Please be in the hotel lobby/reception for this time. At the end of the tour, there are various central drop-off points: Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia, Piazza della Repubblica and Termini Station. Please note that shared tours can have up to approximately 50 people (depending on the number of people that have signed up for the tour on the particular day), and are carried out in a number of languages. The group may be divided out into smaller groups so the tour is led in one language or kept as one larger group (in which case the tour will be led in various languages).

Accommodation: Rose Garden Palace (4*)

Mediterranean Cruise

MSC Splendida

Day 4: Rome - Civitavecchia, Italy - Mediterranean Cruise

You'll be picked up in Rome and transferred to the port in Civitavecchia by a private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Welcome aboard!Take some time to get settled in before attending the welcome dinner, where you can meet your fellow cruisemates.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Palermo

Day 5: Palermo, Italy - Mediterranean Cruise

Palermo is located in the northwest of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Palermo is Sicily's cultural, economic and touristic capital. It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. Numerous tourists are attracted to the city for its pleasant Mediterranean weather.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

La Goulette

Day 6: La Goulette, Tunisia - Mediterranean Cruise

La Goulette is the port of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The town's Kasbah fortress was built in 1535 by Charles I of Spain but was later captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1574. The ancient ruins of Carthage lay near the town of La Goulette.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Day 7: Mediterranean Cruise

Full day spent relaxingly at sea.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Barcelona

Day 8: Barcelona, Spain - Mediterranean Cruise

The Port of Barcelona has a 2000-year history and a great contemporary commercial importance. The Port is divided into three zones: Port Vell (the Old Port), the commercial port and the logistics port (Barcelona Free Port). The Port Vell houses the Maremagnum (a commercial mall), a multiplex cinema, the IMAX Port Vell and Europe's largest aquarium, containing 8,000 fish and 11 sharks contained in 22 basins filled with 6 million litres of sea water. The Maremagnum, due to being situated a designated tourist zone, is the only commercial mall in the city that can open on Sundays and public holidays.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Marseille

Day 9: Marseille, France - Mediterranean Cruise

Marseille is the second largest city in France, after Paris. Located on the southeast coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is France's largest commercial port and largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It is listed as a major centre of art and history. The city has many museums and galleries and there are many ancient buildings and churches of historical interest. Most of the attractions of Marseille (including shopping areas) are located in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th arrondissements.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Genoa

Day 10: Genoa, Italy - Mediterranean Cruise

The Port of Genoa is an Italian seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. Genoa's bustling old streets running down to the port retain a gritty character all but lost in most modern cities. It's easy to wander around the back streets of the old town and not come across another tourist for hours. The streets are brimming with beautiful Renaissance architecture, ornate churches vying for attention with luxurious palaces housing some magnificent works of art, including many Old Masters. Many of these palaces line a single street, via Garibaldi, which was the home of the Genoese nobility in the 16th century and has preserved its graceful buildings in beautiful condition.

Accommodation: MSC Splendida (7N - CVV)

Day 11: Civitavecchia, Italy - Civitavecchia

After breakfast this morning, you'll be disembarking your ship back in Civitavecchia. Bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates as your voyage has come to conclusion.

You'll be picked up and transferred to Rome by a private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

What's Included:

Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals if specified - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

What's not Included:

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $400). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more after booking will receive full refund minus a $400 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 45-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-44 days will be subject to loss of 75% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

Hotels

Hotel Rose Garden Palace

Double Superior

Rose Garden Palace (4*) - Rome

The Rose Garden Palace is located on Via Vittorio Veneto in Rome, chosen as one of Conde Nast’s Top Cities, a mere forty five minutes away from the Fiumicino Airport. This historical property is situated in the heart of the city centre and features elegantly designed guest rooms and contemporary and spacious suites. Feast like royalty with menus that feature delicious Italian delicacies and international specialties at the onsite a la carte restaurant, Il Roseto. Wander through the hotel’s garden area, hosting beautiful floral compositions and handcrafted modern sculptures. The Rose Garden Palace also boasts a well-equipped fitness centre, a relaxing whirlpool and soothing sauna. The property is within walking distance to some of Rome's most famous landmarks including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and various Baroque inspired churches. Under Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 4EUR per person for 3* hotels, 6EUR for 4* hotels and 7EUR for 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

MSC Splendida (7N - CVV) - Mediterranean Cruise

MSC Splendida, a premium cruise liner where the best of cutting-edge technology and exceptional comfort are splendidly combined. MSC Cruises has laid out a 5-star service for demanding guests in the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive area complete with 72 spacious suites and 24-hour butler service. In the Top Sail Lounge complete with Skydome, guests can delight their palate under a dome of sparkling stars. For their well-being, guests may partake in the MSC AUREA Spa. Here, the magic of Balinese massage meets holistic water treatments, a legacy of Roman times. Saunas, Turkish bath, solarium, relaxation room, Thalassotherapy, massage room, whirlpool - guests can enjoy all the facilities in a relaxing, luxurious surroundings. Entertainment on board the luxury MSC Splendida ship leaves guests spoilt for choice: 4 swimming pools, an exercise room, squash court, the chance to simulate the thrill of Formula 1, and more...